Sugar Land, TX Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Under Land Development Code Sec. 11-31, anyone owning, developing, or disturbing one acre or more of land, or less than an acre that is part of a larger common plan of development or sale totaling one acre or more, must obtain a land disturbance permit from the City before construction activity begins. Sec. 11-15 makes it unlawful to allow, authorize, or begin a construction activity or disturb land without first getting that permit. The application, filed with the City Engineer's Office on a City form under Sec.

11-32, must include a stormwater pollution prevention plan if the applicant is subject to a TPDES or NPDES permit, or, for those not subject to such permits, a plan showing the applicant's best management practices for pollution and erosion control. The Director may attach special conditions to the permit to protect the public, public property, and waters of the state, and it is unlawful to violate any such condition. The permit holder must keep the permit posted at a visible place on the work site and available for inspection by any City employee.

A permit is valid only for the time period the Director sets based on the estimated time to complete the work, though the Director may grant an extension on written request. If a permit holder violates the Chapter, Sec. 11-33 lets the Director issue a written stop work order halting all authorized work until the violation is corrected, and the Director may revoke the permit if the violation is not corrected after written notice. A permit holder may appeal a denial, revocation, stop work order, or notice of violation in writing to the City Manager within 3 business days, and the City Manager must issue a written determination within 3 business days of receiving the appeal.